Dear TGS Families

I am delighted to welcome back all our students and their families to Toowoomba Grammar School as we embark on Term 4. Despite the term being relatively short, it promises to be a busy period filled with various celebratory events, especially for our Year 12 students.

During the first assembly of the term, I took great pleasure in acknowledging our Year 12 students, emphasising the importance of these final weeks as exams and events draw near. I reminded them that beyond school lies a world of opportunities. I expressed our confidence in their abilities and commended the tremendous effort they have invested in their studies, wishing them the best of luck with their exams while reassuring them that their dedication would be rewarded.

Additionally, I thanked our teachers and staff for their unwavering support. I encouraged the students to cherish these moments, advising them not to rush but to savour each day, reminding them that although their future is approaching, today holds significant value. I emphasised that their attitude in these final weeks will be remembered and urged them to appreciate the character, resilience and friendships they have developed.

As we celebrate the Year 12s' milestone, I must also recognise the dedication of our Year 11 students. Over the break, TGS hosted the 18th Sony Foundation Children's Holiday Camp, which was another success. Forty-eight Year 11 boys volunteered to look after children with disabilities or special needs, joined by 12 girls from Fairholme College and The Glennie School. I am very proud of the boys' efforts, especially the care and compassion they showed their guests. We also had 12 Year 12 boys who returned to help run activities for the camp, which is especially pleasing to see as ongoing service. Once again, giving up their holiday time to support a child is not only a great experience for the boys but a great testament to their character. Seven staff from TGS made this possible along with our nursing staff, grounds, catering and housekeeping. In what was a significant undertaking, I thank all staff involved.

Additionally, the break was a bustling time for our students, with participation in sport camps, performances and tournaments in both school and external activities. I extend my gratitude to our dedicated staff and supportive parents who made these opportunities possible. In other sports and activities:

• Our First V basketball team participated in the CBSQ tournament on the Gold Coast.
• Football training camps were held for both TGS and non-TGS students.
• Cadets attended the annual field exercise across several army barracks in SEQ.
• TGS Swimmers toured Darwin at the Australian Country Swimming Championships.
• TGS Football participated in the Mini World Cup tournament in Inverell.
• Athletics training continued through the holidays.
• First XI cricketers had a training camp and participated in trial games vs New Zealand schools.
• TGS hosted the U12 State Basketball Championships.

Old Boy Matthew Denny

At our term's opening assembly, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Old Boy Matthew Denny. Fresh from winning a bronze medal in the men's discus at the Paris Olympic Games, Matthew shared his school experiences and reflections from Paris. Both students and staff enjoyed his insights. He took part in various activities across the Junior and Senior School.

Best wishes to all our families for the upcoming term. May it be a time of growth, learning and cherished memories.

Kind regards,
Dr John C Kinniburgh
Headmaster

Queensland Mental Health Week

This week represents Queensland Mental Health Week, incorporating World Mental Health Day.

Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) is an annual awareness week that aims to shine a spotlight on individual and community mental health and wellbeing.

Funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Mental Health Commission, Queensland Mental Health Week is coordinated by CheckUP and delivered through strong cross-sector collaboration.

The initiative is linked to World Mental Health Day, which is held on 10 October every year.

Queensland Mental Health Week encourages all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we may have a lived experience of mental illness or not and encourages help-seeking behaviours, when needed.

The week also gives us the opportunity to understand the importance of mental health in our everyday lives. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.

The boys have access to the below mental health display in the Health Centre for more information and support.

School Immunisation Program

Year 7 parents and guardians, please be aware that the School Immunisation Program will be taking place on Monday, 21 October 2024. More information about this program can be found on the Queensland Health website. If you need to complete a consent form either consented to him having these Immunisations or for him not to have them, the forms can be found via this link. They can be returned via email or in person to the health centre. Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the nursing staff at the Health Centre.

Year 12 families

As our Year 12 boys are winding up, we are aware and mindful of the changes that these boys may be facing. This time comes with mixed emotions for some of our students. Some are quite apprehensive and anxious about the new changes and routine they will be facing, while others are well and truly ready for this change. The following resources may be helpful during this period:

• 2024 School Leavers' Guide
• School leavers support
• School leavers resource eKit
• Coping with big changes - leaving secondary school
• Understanding your options after finishing secondary school
• Safer Schoolies

We wish all the Year 12's the very best in their upcoming exams.

As always, we are here to help your son in anyway.

The Health Centre

Year 12 students are in the midst of preparing for their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) External Examinations for General Subjects which commence in Week 4. We extend our heartfelt wishes for success to these dedicated young individuals. This is a significant moment in their academic journey and they should take confidence in their hard work to this point in time.

During this crucial period, it's important that our students have solid study plans in place, making use of all the resources available to them. Consistent effort right to the end will yield the best results. However, preparation isn't just about studying; it's also about managing stress and maintaining a healthy routine. We encourage the Year 12 students to stay active and engage in tasks that bring them joy. A balanced routine that includes regular breaks and healthy habits is essential for their wellbeing.

Perspective is equally important as they approach these exams. While their results will not define them, it is crucial that they can walk away from each exam with no regrets, knowing that their preparation was strong and their effort was high. This period should be embraced as a learning experience and an opportunity for growth.

We wish the Year 12 students all the best and hope that they emerge from this experience stronger and wiser.

Crystal Hede
Director of Learning and Innovation

Year 10

As we move into the final weeks there are several activities coming up particularly for our vocational students. We are fortunate to again offer the Trade Taster Program to selected Year 10 students who will be attending TAFE next year. The boys will go to TAFE one day per week for 6 weeks this term and participate in a variety of trade tasters. This will provide the students with an opportunity to make more informed decisions and develop a better understanding of the different vocational trade areas.

The students who have enrolled in the Certificate III in Agriculture for 2025 will be required to attend the sign up on Thursday, 28 November. Correspondence from Mrs Rathie will be coming out shortly with details for this event.

Students who have applied for a TAFE program in 2025 will soon receive an email or may have already, from TAFE to finalise enrolments. If there are any questions about enrolment for any VET programs, please contact Mrs Marian Rathie in the Careers Office and she will be happy to provide support.

Work Experience

If any students in Years 10 or 11 are considering work experience it is very important that they meet with Mrs Rathie in the Careers Office before the work experience takes place. Mrs Rathie will support the boys through the process and ensure all insurance paperwork is completed prior to starting. This needs to be done by early November.

Year 11

This term interested Year 11s have been invited to attend the University Tours which will be held in Week 4 on Tuesday, 22 October. We will visit the University of Queensland and QUT (Gardens Point) as well as St John’s College and King’s College. The boys have been asked to complete an Expression of Interest form that was sent to them last week. Further details will be sent to parents of interested students and permission to attend will be required through the Parent Lounge.

Year 12

Our Year 12 students will be invited to participate in the Next Step survey starting in March 2025. The short confidential survey will ask questions about graduates’ activities since finishing school, like study and work.

Graduates can expect to be invited to the survey via a letter from the Minister for Education or an email or phone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office on behalf of the department. Students will need to check their contact details are correct on their learning account by logging into the student portal on myQCE.

As our Year 12 students finish formal classes and move into external exams, I would like to wish them all the very best for these final few weeks. Most university applications are now finalised and some students will start to receive offers over the next few weeks. The major offer dates are Monday, 23 December 2024 and Thursday, 16 January 2025. I will be available to provide support if needed around this time and can be contacted via email.

ATARs will be released Friday, 13 December 2025. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch if you need assistance. The Careers Department have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Year 12s this year and throughout their time at TGS and we wish them all every success in their chosen pathway.

Best wishes

Anthea Richters
Head of Department - Careers

In the next two weeks our Year 12 students will conclude their formal study period and begin their exams which also leads into many end-of-year events and celebrations. One of those occasions is a family breakfast in the Junior School for those boys who began their school journey in our Junior School. It’s a special occasion, particularly for the parents I feel, as they enjoy a trip down memory lane to where their sons schooling started. It’s probably not something many families think about too often until their own child reaches the end of Year 12 but the entire journey from Prep to Year 12 is a significant amount of time and commitment, from everyone. Taking a moment to recognise this milestone and offer thanks and appreciation to the proverbial village of people who have contributed to the experience along the way. It’s a lovely way to begin the ‘first of the lasts’ for our Year 12s.

Term 4 offers many of these milestone moments for families at every age and stage of the Junior School in their own way. They are nice moments to pause and recognise their significance, as time does move by quickly, as I’m sure Year 12 families will confirm. There are two particular milestone moments though, one in Year 3 moving into Year 4; the other in Year 6 moving into the Senior School. For the Year 3’s, they hold a family occasion where they build a billy cart together and enjoy riding their contraption down the path along the Jacaranda Grove beside Mills Oval. This event symbolises their movement from early childhood into the upper year levels of the Junior School. This move is not only symbolic but literal as their classroom locations move from ground level to the upper level and their uniform changes slightly to include a Blazer, Akubra and belt on their shorts/pants. These small but significant signals indicate to families and the boy that they are growing up and ready for the next stage of their development at School.

2023 Billy Cart Races

Year 6 have a transition program for the Senior School that commences in full during Term 4 with visits to the Year 7 area, meetings with key staff they will be working closely with and joining a few House meetings and special occasions. Within the Junior School we host a Year 6 celebration event and dinner for families, this is a lovely moment to share together where we recognise the journey of Junior School and formally present each Year 6 boy with a memento as a keepsake as they move into the Senior School. Just like the Year 12s it’s an important moment for families particularly as they reminisce on the time spent on the first phase of schooling together.

Term 4 is a special phase of the year and a lovely opportunity to reflect on the age and stage of your own children. Each year level has its key learnings, whether its academic, social or personal development, they all shape the young individuals they are becoming.

Looking ahead at Term 4 for everyone, we return into our regular routines from the start with our core focus on learning programs right up until the final week of term. The concluding week is filled with numerous events and activities for everyone to enjoy together, a brief overview of these is provided below. A more detailed overview of the term for individual cohorts and specific groups (Music, Sport, etc...) is available via the TGS App, School calendar and Parent Lounge. Correspondence for activities/events is emailed to families directly and included in the Parent Lounge.

Whole Junior School events and occasions for Term 4

• Friday, 25 October: Year 6 Market Place Day, activities organised for Prep to Year 5
• Monday, 11 November: Remembrance Day Ceremony at 10:50am
• Friday, 22 November: Junior School Twilight Concert at 6:00pm
• Monday, 25 November: Transition Day (Prep to Year 6), a morning where students prepare for 2025
• Tuesday, 26 November: Picnic Day - Prep to Year 6 activities and outings to celebrate 2024
• Thursday, 28 November: Junior School Speech Day at 9:00am

More specific information for each of these events and occasions will be provided by the relevant staff member or department in the weeks leading up to each occasion.

Preparations for 2025

Teachers and the Diverse Learning Team are composing class lists for 2025 in readiness for transition day in the final week of this term. This enables both students and teachers to be familiar with each other, the classroom and features of the year ahead prior to the holiday break. Classes are composed factoring the range of student learning needs and abilities, pastoral and social supports in a balanced manner across the cohort. If your son has specific needs that you would like us to be mindful of, that the Diverse Learning Team may not already be aware of, you are welcome to email Mrs Chantelle Bauer, Deputy Head of Junior School Teaching and Learning with these details for us to consider in our process. Teachers and the Diverse Learning Team carefully consider class composition to cater for each students learning needs.

Term 4 is a fabulous term, certainly action-packed in the final few weeks but mostly a continuation of the valuable learning program for the first six weeks, as we’ve operated throughout the year. As always, if you have any questions or would like clarification around any particular matter please feel comfortable making contact with either myself or your child's classroom teacher. My sincerest best wishes for the term ahead.

Warms regards and appreciation

Ken Raven
Head of Junior School

As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering a knowledge-rich curriculum through an explicit instruction model, our Junior School staff, alongside Senior School teaching staff, engaged in professional development with Toni Hatten-Roberts from CogLearn this week. This initiative included teachers observing each other and being observed while delivering daily reviews, enhancing their teaching practices.

Daily reviews are designed to develop automaticity by consolidating core concepts and skills, moving student knowledge from working memory to long-term memory. These sessions, lasting between 20-40 minutes, are fast-paced and allow for quick recall of previously taught concepts and skills, as well as the introduction of new ones. Typically, these reviews are conducted with the whole class using various delivery methods such as interactive whiteboards, response boards, flash cards, echo responses, charts, mnemonics and other visible responses.

Looking ahead, our teachers will focus on incorporating opportunities for students to recite, recall and apply previously learned concepts and skills during their daily reviews. Recitation involves students using the correct language and repeating information with the teacher or as an echo, which aids learning and allows for correction and repetition. Recall involves students answering questions or filling in gaps about previously covered information. Finally, students will demonstrate their understanding by applying their knowledge and skills to different contexts.

We appreciate your continued support in our efforts to provide the best educational experience for your children.

Warm regards

Chantelle Bauer
Deputy Head of Junior School (Teaching and Learning)

Tips to Stay Safe Online: A Guide for Parents

In today’s digital age, ensuring our boys stay safe online is more important than ever. As parents, we play a crucial role in guiding them to navigate the internet safely and responsibly.

Currently on my reading list and that of many of our teachers in the Junior School, is the book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, in which social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explores the alarming rise in mental health issues among young people. Haidt (2024) attributes much of this increase to the shift from a play-based childhood to a phone-based one, where children spend more time online and less time engaging in physical and social activities. This shift has profound implications for our children’s mental and emotional wellbeing.

Here are some practical tips and resources which may help you support your child’s online safety.

1. Open Communication
   Encourage open and honest conversations about online activities. Ask your child about the games they play, the websites they visit and the friends they interact with online. This helps build trust and makes it easier for them to come to you if they encounter any issues.
2. Set Clear Rules and Boundaries
   Establish clear rules about internet use, including time limits and appropriate online behaviour. Make sure your child understands the importance of not sharing personal information, such as their full name, address, password, or school details.
3. Use Parental Controls
   Utilise parental control settings on devices and apps to monitor and limit your child’s online activities. These tools can help block inappropriate content and manage screen time effectively.
4. Teach Critical Thinking
   Help your child develop critical thinking skills to recognise and avoid online dangers. Teach them to question the authenticity of information and to be cautious about clicking on unknown links or downloading files from untrusted sources.
5. Stay Informed
   Keep yourself updated on the latest online trends and potential risks. This knowledge will enable you to better guide your child and address any concerns that may arise.

By staying engaged and proactive, we can help our boys enjoy the benefits of the internet while staying safe. Let’s work together to create a secure online environment for our children.

Useful Resources for Parents

• eSafety Commissioner: offers a wealth of resources, including videos, information sheets, and webinars to help parents keep their children safe online.
• Queensland Government: provides practical tips and advice on online safety for children and young people.
• Haidt, J. (2024). The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. Penguin Press.

Amanda Hall
Deputy Head of Junior School (Students)

Welcome back to Term 4. It is a fast and furious ride to the finish line, with several big events happening in sport.

GPS Athletics

A group of boys have been training very hard in preparation for the GPS Track and Field Championships held at QSAC on Friday, 18 October. This is the epitome of the season and follows on from several late Friday nights attending pre-meets in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. We wish all boys the best of luck in this event.

Club Cricket

In what is very popular for TGS cricket lovers, a large number of boys in the Junior School have taken advantage of playing cricket with their TGS mates on a Saturday morning. Thanks to Mr Maddox for all of the organisation to ensure this season is another success. Good luck to all boys involved.

Friday Night Basketball

TGS has a number of teams competing each week against local school teams in a Friday night basketball competition. Mr Kabe Cicolini, Head of Basketball has been instrumental in the huge popularity of this sport. I am sure this will be a great learning experience and great fun for all involved.

Futsal Success

Recently three of our Year 3 boys represented South West Queensland at the National Schools Futsal Championships. Orion Khatri and Ayaansh Bhardwaj played in the Under 8 team and made it all the way to the semi-finals, narrowly losing 2-1 to New South Wales. Tom Spencer, playing in the Under 9 team, made it to the Grand Final, unfortunately losing to New South Wales 5-2. Tom has been subsequently selected in the Australian team to tour overseas next year. We are very proud of the extraordinary performances of all of these boys. Well done!

Wishing you a great start to the Term 4.

Brendan Doherty
Junior School Sports Co-ordinator

On Thursday, 10 October the 132^nd Annual TGS Army Cadet March Out Parade took place, marking a significant milestone for our cadets. After a week of unpredictable weather, the skies finally cleared, creating the perfect backdrop for this momentous event. The Reviewing Officer for the day was Major Geoff Rodgers, Operations Officer at 7^th Signal Regiment, Cabarlah who commended the cadets for their dedication and hard work throughout the year.

The parade also served as a heartfelt farewell to our Year 12 senior cadets, who have exemplified leadership and commitment during their time in the program. In front of family, peers and friends, the cadets showcased their incredible journey, reflecting on a year filled with challenges and triumphs.

Over the past year, the cadets have not only honed their military skills but also gained invaluable insights into their own strengths and capabilities. The recruits particularly flourished, discovering resilience and leadership qualities they never knew they possessed.

Cadets plays a vital role in youth development by providing opportunities for personal growth, teamwork and responsibility. Cadets participated in various activities that promoted discipline, communication and problem-solving skills. From navigating challenging obstacle courses to participating in community service projects, each experience fostered a sense of camaraderie and mateship that will last a lifetime.

Major Rodgers highlighted the importance of these values during his speech, noting how the bonds formed in the cadet program can lead to lifelong friendships. The support and encouragement among cadets create a unique environment where young people learn to trust and rely on one another, forging connections that extend beyond the parade ground.

As the day concluded, all the cadets marched proudly, reflecting on a year filled with challenges and triumphs. The TGS Army Cadet March Out Parade was not just a celebration of their achievements, but a reminder of the valuable life skills they have gained. We look forward to seeing them continue to thrive and inspire future recruits in the years to come.

Last week, five graduating Toowoomba Grammar School Army Cadet seniors hosted their final Graduation Dining Out Night at the historic Toowoomba Grammar School Old Hall. With four of the five graduates being female cadets from Fairholme College, we were honoured to include Principal Dr Linda Evans alongside Headmaster Dr John Kinniburgh at the head table.

The guest speaker was Counsellor Cynthia McDonald, a 16-year Army veteran and the first female ADFA graduate to represent the Australian Army as a Guard Commander at Buckingham Palace, London. Counsellor McDonald spoke of the growth and development of the Australian Army and the opportunities that a career in the ADF offers. She spoke of the amazing opportunities she had been given, including working at Buckingham Palace and working for the United Nations in Timor. Her speech was inspiring to the young cadets in the room and highlighted her commitment to changing the culture of youth and developing them through positive programs such as the Cadets. We thank Counsellor McDonald for attending and offering her insight into her fabulous career.

Other special guests in attendance were Mr Jamie McDonald, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, Major (AAC) Gary MacLachlan, 16^th Battalion SEQLD Army Cadet Commander, along with the amazing parents and TGS Cadet staff.

The Dining Out Night was capped off with an amazing and tear-jerking speech from our 2024 Senior Cadet Under Officer (SCUO) Heather McKenzie who spoke of her amazing journey in the Cadets and all the friendships she has made and opportunities that she received. SCUO McKenzie personally thanked all the other cadets in attendance for being the best of mates and for giving her a true place to feel included and special.

As the TGSACU now moves into the transition to 2025 and the new senior cadets take their positions at the top of the tower, we forever remember the seniors that have come through the program with great fondness; we welcome them all to return to TGS and keep us up-to-date with their lives and adventures.

A team of 10 TGS boys travelled to Darwin in the last week of the holidays to compete in the Country National Championships.

Four days of competition in the pool was followed by an Open Water mixed relay event where the boys teamed up with girls from the TGS Swim Club.

The hot weather seemed to be a positive for our boys with everyone swimming fast times over the duration of the competition. The experience of travelling, competing and staying in accommodation unaccompanied by parents was invaluable for the boys.

Medal Winners

Special mention to our swimmers who came home with medals:

• Eddy Beverland
• James Fagan
• Riley Frappell
• Lachlan Fraser
• Lachlan Parker
• Alex Reddacliff
• Declan Zimmerle

Age Champions

• Lachlan Parker (15 Years)
• Alex Reddacliff (17 and over).

Relay Results

We had a hugely successful relay campaign too:

• Gold 4 x 400m mixed Open Water
• Silver 4 x 800m mixed Open water
• Silver mixed 4 x 50m Medley
• Silver mixed 4 x 100m Freestyle
• Bronze mixed 4 x 400m Open Water
• Bronze mixed 4 x 800m Open water
• Bronze 4 x 50m Boys medley
• Bronze mixed 4 x 100m medley

The following sports and co-curricular groups, photographed on 1 June 2024 are now available to purchase via AdvancedLife. Simply enter the code: CN5 ZBK YE5 and click on “Group Photos”.

You can now view and purchase the group images listed above and if you place your order before Wednesday, 16 October 2024 you will get a 20% early order discount. Please note the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.